Rangers administration: SFA launch independent inquiry

THE Scottish Football Association has confirmed it is to launch an independent inquiry into the current situation involving Rangers.

Coming less than a day after Strathclyde Police announced that they were investigating information passed to them concerning the current situation at Ibrox, the SFA have released a statement saying: “The Scottish FA can today confirm its intention to conduct a full independent inquiry into the activities of Rangers FC and, specifically, a number of potential breaches of the Scottish FA’s Articles of Association.”

The statement then goes on to explain that the SFA’s previous attempts to obtain information ‘relevant to the Fit and Proper Person’ requirement had been hampered by the club’s solicitors.

The SFA’s chief executive Stewart Regan added his concern, saying: “Since we have been unable to receive any detailed information requested in relation to Article 10, we feel we have no option but to appoint an independent committee to investigate a number of concerns we have raised.

“We expect the investigation to be concluded as quickly as possible and will confirm the outcome in due course. We will be making no further comment on the investigation in the meantime.

The Scotsman reported on December 2nd, in the wake of Craig Whyte’s admission that he had been disqualified from directing companies, that the SFA were looking into Whyte’s suitability as a director. Rangers expressed their confidence that Whyte did indeed meet the required criteria for directing a company.

The SFA have the right to rule on whether an individual listed on a club’s official return of office bearers is a “fit and proper person to hold such position within Association Football.”

One relevant fact giving cause for concern would be if an individual had been disqualified as a company director, in accordance with the Company Directors’ Disqualification Act of 1986, within the past five years. In Whyte’s case, he was banned from directing a company between 2000 and 2011, but bought Rangers from Sir David Murray for £1 four years later in 2011, within the five year period outlined by the SFA.

The SFA have been assured that the representatives from Duff and Phelps will co-operate with them fully, as the SFA continues its inquiry.

Craig Whyte has insisted that there has been no criminal wrongdoing during his time at the club.

Earlier today, the BBC confirmed that it had received a writ from Craig Whyte’s representatives, served on the corporation over claims made in a documentary broadcast last year.

A spokesman for BBC Scotland said: “We stand by our journalism, all of the allegations made, and will defend any action vigorously.”

• Click here to read Craig Whyte’s statement in full